Research Data Specialist I

Are you ready to champion data that drives real change for California families? Join the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) as a Research Data Specialist I, where you’ll work on projects that transform raw data into accurate, timely data products that influence policy decisions, support budget development, and inform how counties deliver critical services. Your work helps to ensure that the department’s most essential datasets are complete, reliable, and ready to meet federal standards and state priorities. What You’ll Do

• Produce high quality data products that inform leaders across CDSS.
• Produce and analyze essential data for budgeting and forecasting, ensuring the accuracy of datasets that drive county allocations and feed directly into the Governor’s Budget.
• Manage federal data submissions, coordinating with state and federal partners to resolve data issues and to maintain compliance with strict reporting requirements.
• Use your analytical and programming skills to create custom analyses and reports and to provide actionable insights to internal and external stakeholders.
• Champion data quality and consistency, ensuring all analytical products meet professional standards and support the department’s larger data driven mission.
• Participate in large teams made up of analysts across the department to analyze and improve our social services programs.

• Improve your skills and confidence in SAS, R, Python and SQL. Why This Role Matters Your work ensures California’s social service programs have trustworthy data at their fingertips; data that affects policy decisions, funding, and services for millions of children, families, and adults statewide. You’ll be at the intersection of program expertise, research, and analytics, helping CDSS make smarter, more meaningful decisions. Why Join Us?

• Play a key role in strengthening the statewide data ecosystem.
• Be a part of a team committed to accuracy, innovation, and public service.
• Influence high visibility reporting and analytical work across CDSS.
• Grow your analytical skills and impact vital social services programs in a collaborative, mission driven environment. Ready to be a part of a team that powers data informed decision making across California? Step into a role where your contributions shape outcomes and your work truly makes a difference. The Department of Social Services does not participate in E-Verify for employment authorization purposes. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship by the start date of employment. If you would like to share how you learned about this career opportunity, please take a moment to complete our brief Recruitment Survey.

Need help with applying for positions, taking an examination, or preparing for interviews? Our team is here to support you, reach out anytime at Recruiter@dss.ca.gov. For guidance on applying for a state job, visit Three Steps to a State Job Follow us on LinkedIn to stay updated on our latest opportunities., We ensure opportunities for everyone to participate in a meaningful way in fulfilling the mission and vision of CDSS. Community Engagement We prioritize the lived experiences of community members as a driving force behind the creation, implementation, desired impact, or change of programs and services. Empowerment We engage, operate, and advocate from the understanding that each community and person have desires and capabilities to lead in their own life. Quality Services We provide services that align intent and impact by ensuring that they are accessible, community driven, interconnected, and continuously improved. Data Defined Outcomes We equitably collect and analyze data, take data-driven action, and measure outcomes relevant to those we serve, ensuring transparency and accountability., A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required and must be submitted with your application to be considered for this position. The SOQ is a narrative discussion prepared by the applicant describing how the applicant qualifies for the position. The SOQ serves as a documentation of each candidate’s ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. If your qualifications are competitive, you will be invited to participate in an interview. An SOQ containing no more than 1,000 words highlighting your experience must accompany the application. Applications without SOQs will not be considered. Your SOQ must specifically address the following questions:

1. Your experience performing data analysis;
2. Your experience collaborating with other groups or people, especially in research projects;
3. Your experience learning new skills, especially as they relate to programming or software systems. You are required to complete employment history on the application form (STD 678). You may be disqualified from the hiring and selection process if the employment history is inaccurate or incomplete. Resumes will not take the place of employment history. If you are meeting minimum qualifications with education, you must include your unofficial transcripts for verification. If selected, you may be required to provide official transcripts at the time of hire. Candidates who reside outside of the State of California may be admitted to the job interview, but they must provide proof of residence in California prior to being eligible for appointment.

Application Instructions

Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application. Final Filing Date: 9/15/2026

Who May Apply Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.

Are you interested in making a difference in the lives of fellow Californians while achieving your career goals? Do you set high standards for yourself and enjoy a collaborative and challenging work environment? The mission of the California Department of Social Services is to serve, protect, and support the people of California experiencing need in ways that empower wellbeing and disrupt systemic inequities. The vision of the California Department of Social Services is to provide quality services with a commitment to an inclusive, diverse, and equitable California where all people can thrive., In addition to evaluating each candidate’s relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

1. Experience and knowledge of social services programs and issues.
2. Knowledge of statistics and techniques and methods of data collection and analysis.
3. Knowledge of SAS and Structured Query Language (SQL).
4. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with IT staff, program stakeholders, and executive management.
5. Passion for serving Californians through the efficient delivery of social services

Headquarter location will be designated based on the selected candidate’s primary residence location, and/or the closest CDSS location. This position can be filled in the following locations: ALAMEDA, BUTTE, FRESNO, HUMBOLDT, LOS ANGELES, ORANGE, PLACER, RIVERSIDE, SACRAMENTO, SAN DIEGO, SAN JOAQUIN, SAN MATEO, SANTA BARBARA, SANTA CLARA, or SONOMA COUNTY. This position may be eligible for Hybrid work. In-person attendance is required based on the operational needs of the position and in accordance with Executive Order N-22-25 the Statewide Hybrid Telework Policy, Government Code section 14200, and any applicable department telework requirements. The successful candidate must reside in California at the time of appointment. Proof of California residency may be required. Please note: Regular commute is not compensable., There are many benefits to joining our team! The State of California has a generous benefits package that includes medical coverage, CalPERS pension upon retirement, two weeks paid vacation per year, two weeks paid sick leave per year, two paid Professional Development Days, one paid Personal Holiday, pre-tax parking fee program. TRANSPORTATION REIMBURSEMENT

• Public transit (mass transit) passes. o 100 percent discount on public transit passes sold by state agencies, up to the monthly exclusion amount provided by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). o 100 percent reimbursement on public transit passes purchased by state employees, up to the monthly exclusion amount provided by the IRS.

• Vanpool drivers and riders o 100 percent reimbursement on the monthly fee, up to the monthly exclusion amount provided by the IRS.